Answer :
Final answer:
The passage from The Pardoner's Tale highlights satire through the characterization of the Pardoner as a greedy figure who exploits religion for monetary gain. His actions critique the hypocrisy within the church and emphasize the themes of greed and morality. Chaucer's use of irony and humor invites the audience to reflect on these societal issues.
Explanation:
Understanding Satire in The Pardoner's Tale
The passage at the end of The Pardoner's Tale showcases several elements of satire that effectively criticize human vices, particularly greed and hypocrisy. The character of the Pardoner embodies these traits, as he is a church official who exploits his position to profit from the sins of others.
One of the key satirical elements is the characterization of the Pardoner, who, despite his role in offering indulgences—a supposedly spiritual act—focuses solely on extracting money from his audience. This is ironic because those who seek absolution for their sins are being manipulated for personal gain rather than being genuinely forgiven. Furthermore, the fact that the Pardoner himself is aware of his deceit yet continues to deceive others highlights the depth of his greed, which serves to critique the broader societal issue of corruption within the church during Chaucer's time.
By using exaggeration, Chaucer not only illustrates the Pardoner’s absurdity but also prompts the reader to reflect on the moral lessons related to greed and the pursuit of wealth over spiritual integrity. The humor embedded in the Pardoner’s outrageous behavior offers a sharp critique of those who prioritize personal profit over their moral responsibilities.
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